Create your own homemade terrarium in 5 easy steps
Do you dream of having your own little world of plants and animals at home? With a terrarium, it's possible! Whether you're a beginner or an expert, follow our step-by-step guide to easily build a homemade terrarium. Let your creativity run wild and prepare to immerse yourself in a natural and soothing world.
Choose the right container
The first essential element for creating your terrarium is the container. You can opt for a glass jar, an aquarium, or even a vase. The important thing is that it's transparent to let light through and allow your plants to grow. Also consider the size based on the space you have available and the number of plants you want to install.
Which containers are best suited?
The best containers for a terrarium are those with a lid or glass to maintain humidity. For example, you can choose:
- A glass jar with a lid
- A glass aquarium
- A rounded glass vase
- A glass bell jar
Avoid plastic containers, which don't allow for proper air circulation. Instead, opt for glass, which is more aesthetically pleasing and more durable.
Prepare the substrate
Once you've chosen your container, it's time to prepare the substrate, the base on which your plants will grow. To do this, you'll need different layers:
The drainage layer
This first layer allows excess water to drain away and prevents the roots from rotting. You can use:
- Expanded clay balls
- Pebbles
- Pieces of charcoal
Allow about 2 to 3 cm thickness for this layer.
The layer of potting soil
On top of the drainage layer, add a 5 to 10 cm layer of potting soil for green plants or terrariums. This soil should be rich in nutrients to nourish your plants.
The layer of sand or gravel
Finally, finish with a thin layer of 1 to 2 cm of sand or decorative gravel. This adds an aesthetic touch to your terrarium.
Choose your plants
This is the fun part! Choose plants that fit the size of your terrarium and the environment you want to recreate. Here are some suggestions:
Shade plants
- Ferns
- Mousse
- Hedera
- Tradescantia
Plants of light
- Succulents
- Cactus
- Tillandsia
- Sedum
Consider varying shapes, colors, and textures to create a beautiful, harmonious ensemble. Don't hesitate to add some decorations like figurines, stones, or driftwood.
Plant and decorate
It's time to plant your plants! Start by placing the largest plants at the bottom, then add the smaller ones in front. Gently press down on the substrate so the roots are firmly anchored.
You can also add some decorative elements like pebbles, colored sand, or small figurines. Let your creativity run wild!
Planting tips
- Plant the plants in a staggered pattern for a more natural look.
- Avoid tamping the substrate too tightly to avoid suffocating the roots.
- Water gently after planting to establish the plants
Maintaining your terrarium
Your terrarium is now ready! To keep it beautiful and healthy for the long term, here are some maintenance tips:
Watering
Water your terrarium sparingly, avoiding overwatering, which could cause root rot. Check the substrate moisture regularly and adjust as needed.
Brightness
Place your terrarium in a bright location, but away from direct sunlight, which could burn the plants. Indirect light is ideal.
Cleaning
Regularly remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain a neat appearance. You can also clean glass walls with a soft cloth.
With these few steps, you're ready to create your own homemade terrarium! Feel free to customize it to suit your tastes and decor. Let your creativity run wild and enjoy this soothing little ecosystem in your home.